Connection Leaders

Connection Leader Coordinators

The Connection Leader Coordinators serve as mentors and coaches for the Connection Leaders while also facilitating your transition to Lynchburg College from SOAR to the end of your first semester and beyond. They also facilitate your G S 100 course.

Abbigale Anderson

Hometown: Goode, Va.Major: Environmental ScienceAdvice for new students: “Do not be afraid to be a role model! Remain confident in your abilities, and always remember that it’s okay to ask for help.”

Kyle Hodges

Hometown: Farmville, Va.Major: Communication Studies – Communication and Social InfluenceAdvice for new students: “Get involved with clubs and organizations on campus!”

Spencer Murray

Hometown: Shaker Heights, OhioMajor: History and Political ScienceAdvice for new students: “Find a great group of friends. They will become your family while you’re here.”

Lauren Muir

Hometown: Bel Air, Md.Major: Biomedical ScienceAdvice for new students: “Know who you are and who you want to be. The rest will fall into place.”

Karla Schooler

Hometown: Fredericksburg, Va.Major: Communication Studies and EnglishAdvice for new students: “Put your education first, and be active in your education. You are your own best advocate, so take advantage of all the resources that are offered.”

Connection Leaders

Connection Leaders are current undergraduate students whose role it is to help facilitate the transition of our newest Hornets who are traditional-aged freshmen. They are available to assist you in your transition throughout your SOAR experience, first semester, and beyond. They serve as the facilitators for the G S 100 course during your first semester.

Haley Bates

Hometown: Durham, N.C.Major: Interdisciplinary Studies – Elementary EducationAdvice for new students: “Staying up to date with readings and classwork is crucial to being successful in college. It is also important to eat healthy, regular, balanced meals!”

Hattie Bays

Hometown: Bedford, Va.Major: Music EducationAdvice for new students: “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.”

Kimber Butler

Hometown: Vinton, Va.Major: ExploratoryAdvice for new students: “Set up a system for studying and doing homework. And get involved early in the year and become active on campus! My life became much easier after getting involved because I had people who I could talk to when I required help.”

Jordan Cindrick

Hometown: Amherst, Va.Major: CriminologyAdvice for new students: “Stop and enjoy the moment, because the years go by way too fast! It’s important to meet people and build friendships. ”

Hannah Cooke

Hometown: Annandale, Va.Major: Environmental ScienceAdvice for new students: “The single most important piece of information is to never be afraid to ask for help.”

Sarah Czerniak

Hometown: Middletown, Del.Major: PsychologyAdvice for new students: “Challenge yourself to get involved in things on campus, and go outside of your comfort zone!”

Tscharner deGraffenried

Hometown: Kingwood, Tex.Major: CriminologyAdvice for new students: “Get involved, learn how to balance education and fun, and ask for help.”

Mariah DuBois

Hometown: Salem, N.J.Major: Interdisciplinary Studies – Elementary EducationAdvice for new students: “Take advantage of all the resources here on campus. Everyone here wants to see you succeed and is willing to help you.”

Dylan Elliott

Hometown: Lynchburg, Va.Major: Human Resource Management and PsychologyAdvice for new students: “By having an open mind and trying new things, you will become more involved on campus and form significant connections faster!”

Chloe Fisher

Hometown: Selma, N.C.Major: Interdisciplinary Studies – Elementary EducationAdvice for new students: “Be proactive with your work and stay focused. But don’t be afraid to take risks, because college is the time and place to find yourself!”

Kathleen Fitzpatrick

Hometown: Arlington, Va.Major: Communication Studies – Public RelationsAdvice for new students: “Ask a boatload of questions, and it will get you to your destination!”

Courtney Forstmann

Kristina Geisler

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Va.Major: NursingAdvice for new students: “The best way to have a flourishing experience at Lynchburg College is to get involved! Participate in class, create friendships with students and staff, and make the most of your college experience.”

Katie Granzow

Kyle Jacksic

Hometown: Hardwick, N.J.Major: Exercise PhysiologyAdvice for new students: “Time management will make or break you; never be afraid to seek help.”

Brooke Lindgren

Hometown: Richmond, Va.Major: Criminology and PhilosophyAdvice for new students: “Get involved in clubs and social activities. Always go to class, and don’t slack off or wait to the last minute for assignments.”

Megan Lively

Hometown: Troy, Va.Major: Biomedical ScienceAdvice for new students: “Welcome failure – it will lead to success.”

Allison Maier

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.Major: NursingAdvice for new students: “Make sure to have fun, while also focusing on your studies.”

Scott McClintock

Chilbuzor Ogbonna

Hometown: Abuja, NigeriaMajor: International RelationsAdvice for new students: “Keep a schedule to help you manage your time. Believe in yourself, because that is the first step to success!”

Kristy Paxton

Hometown: Lynchburg, Va.Major: NursingAdvice for new students: “Remember to make good choices, study hard, stay ahead in school, and have fun!”

Maggie Payne

Hometown: Charlottesville, Va.Major: Marketing and SpanishAdvice for new students: “College is what you make of it. Get involved and make your college experience the best four years of your life!”

Heather Scearce

Hometown: Danville, Va.Major: NursingAdvice for new students: “While you’re here you will meet a lot of people from different places, with different viewpoints. Have an open mind; this will give you an opportunity to learn about other cultures.”

Bryan Strawderman

Hometown: Staunton, Va.Major: HistoryAdvice for new students: “Get involved on campus. Everyone is scared to make friends the first few weeks, but as soon as you do, it will make college a much better experience!”

Laina Vitalie

Hometown: Cherry Hills Village, Col.Major: Theatre PerformanceAdvice for new students: “Time management is an essential skill. It is your responsibility to finish all of your homework and attend all of your classes and meetings.”

Nicole Wagner

Hometown: Chesapeake, Va.Major: ManagementAdvice for new students: “Get involved! The more involved you get, the more you learn about yourself and others.”

Kimber Walker

Hometown: Milford, Del.Major: Communication Studies – Communication and Social InfluenceAdvice for new students: “Be active on campus and take your studies seriously! It’s important to remember why you’re here.'”